Addiction is a path leads to or excel MENAL Health Illness.

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Although the exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known, it is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are cause by a combination of biological, psychological, addiction, trauma and environmental factors.

Other biological factors that may be involved in the development of mental illness include:

• Genetics (heredity): Mental illnesses sometimes run in families, suggesting that people who have a family member with a mental illness may be somewhat more likely to develop one themselves. Susceptibility is passed on in families through genes. Experts believe many mental illnesses are linked to abnormalities in many genes rather than just one or a few and that how these genes interact with the environment is unique for every person (even identical twins). That is why a person inherits a susceptibility to a mental illness and doesn't necessarily develop the illness. Mental illness itself occurs from the interaction of multiple genes and other factors -- such as stress, abuse, or a traumatic event -- which can influence, or trigger, an illness in a person who has an inherited susceptibility to it.

• Infections: Certain infections have been linked to brain damage and the development of mental illness or the worsening of its symptoms. For example, a condition known as pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder (PANDA) associated with the Streptococcus bacteria has been linked to the development of the obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mental illnesses in children.

• Brain defects or injury: Defects in or injury to certain areas of the brain have also been linked to some mental illnesses.

• Prenatal damage: Some evidence suggests that a disruption of early fetal brain development or trauma that occurs at the time of birth -- for example, loss of oxygen to the brain -- may be a factor in the development of certain conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder.

• Substance abuse: Long-term substance abuse, in particular, has been linked to anxiety, depression, and paranoia.

• Other factors: Poor nutrition and exposure to toxins, such as lead, may play a role in the development of mental illnesses.

What Psychological Factors Contribute to Mental Illness?

Psychological factors that may contribute to mental illness include:

• Severe psychological trauma suffered as a child, such as emotional, physical, or sexual abuse

• An important early loss, such as the loss of a parent

• Neglect

• Poor ability to relate to others

What Environmental Factors Contribute to Mental Illness?

Certain stressors can trigger an illness in a person who is susceptible to mental illness. These stressors include:

• Death or divorce

• A dysfunctional family life

• Feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, anxiety, anger, or loneliness

• Changing jobs or schools

• Social or cultural expectations (For example, a society that associates beauty with thinness can be a factor in the development of eating disorders.)

• Substance abuse by the person or the person's parents

What is a Dual Diagnosis?

Many people diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD) also suffer from a co-occurring mental health or behavioral disorder. This is known as a dual diagnosis. Individuals with a dual diagnosis require an integrated treatment plan that addresses both disorders as interconnected mental health issues. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 45 percent of people with addiction have a co-occurring mental health disorder.

By seeking treatment for addiction and a co-occurring behavioral or mental health disorder, you will stand the best chances of successfully attaining the fulfilling, healthy life you deserve.

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Common Mental Health Issues and Addiction

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There are a few mental health and behavioral disorders that repeatedly present themselves alongside addiction. Oftentimes, these disorders are the underlying cause of addiction. That’s why it’s important to never ignore the symptoms of a mental health or behavioral disorder when it comes to a person’s long-term addiction recovery plan.

 

In conjunction with treating addiction issues, mental health also needs to be addressed. People with mental health issues are self-medicating on street drugs.  This is the importance of Psychiatry services.